SPARKS
Ignite your leadership potential
SPARKS is designed to develop emerging leaders and new-to-Schwarz leaders by providing a structured roadmap of leadership growth.
Beyond Traditional Leadership Training!
Rooted in Schwarz’s six core values, SPARKS equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to thrive in leadership roles across all departments.
Leadership Levels
Our program follows a progressive path, with each level building on the previous one:
- Leading Small Teams (Leadership 1) – First step in structured leadership training.
- Leading Projects (Yellow Belt+) – Developing leadership through project execution.
- Leading Larger Teams (Leadership 2) – Advanced leadership development for growing teams.
- Leading a Business Unit (Ambassadors) – Executive-level leadership training.
Location
L1, YB+, and L2 training sessions take place at the Schwarz Partners HQ in Carmel, IN. The Ambassadors program location will rotate amongst various facilities within the Schwarz Partners family of companies.
The SPARKS Training Team
Andrew Blanchette, Mike Storm, and Sarah Leverton bring a wealth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and passion for developing future leaders. Together, they combine technical expertise with engaging teaching styles to make learning practical, memorable, and impactful. Their mission is to guide high-potential team members through training that sparks growth, builds confidence, and prepares them to lead with purpose.
Leadership Progression
SPARKS is a journey that guides you step-by-step, learning and gaining more leadership skills along the way. The roadmap to your success can be found in the SPARKS program!
Upcoming Training Dates
Leadership 1 (L1)
- Q1: Week of February 2, 2026
- Q2: Week of April 13, 2026
- Q3: Week of July 13, 2026
- Q4: Week of October 5, 2026
Yellow Belt+ (YB+)
- Q1: Week of March 16, 2026
- Q3: Week of August 10, 2026
Leadership 2 (L2)
- Q2: Week of June 22, 2026
- Q4: Week of November 2, 2026
Ambassadors (L3) – Full – Not currently accepting applicants
- Q1: Week of March 2, 2026
- Q2: Week of May 11, 2026
- Q3: Week of September 21, 2026
Training Schedule and Format
While every level follows its own schedule, all courses run 3 to 4 days, with travel time on either side as needed. During the day, we’ll dive into dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that build your leadership skills. Evenings are all about relaxing, recharging, and connecting with fellow rising leaders—sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and building a strong network for the future.
Who Should Attend?
SPARKS is open to leaders across all departments, not just production. Ideal attendees include:
- Supervisors, HR Managers, CSRs, Quality Managers, Sales Managers, Controllers (L1)
- Superintendents, Plant Managers, and Senior Leaders (L2)
Key leaders are encouraged to attend sessions to support participants, network, and serve as guest speakers.
Course Details and Pre-Work
Check out the Course descriptions and Pre-Work available below!
Let’s get started!
